Defending champion Paolo Bettini of Italy won
the Tour of Lombardy on Saturday for his 11th Pro Tour title.
The 32-year-old Italian finished in six hours eight minutes six
seconds _ eight seconds ahead of runner-up Samuel Sanchez of Spain
and third-place Fabian Weggman of Germany.
Bettini wept as he crossed the line and dedicated the victory to
his brother, Sauro, who was killed in a road accident last week.
``Before, there was someone who pushed me on from the outside,
but now he isn't there,'' the Quick Step-Innergetic rider said. ``I
wasn't just looking to win, I wanted to do something special _ for
Sauro and for my family. This wasn't a chance victory.''
Bettini, who led for most of the 246-kilometre race, broke from
the leading pack of 12 cyclists 18 kilometres out.
Sanchez, Weggman and fifth-place Davide Rebellin launched attacks
on Bettini's lead over the closing stages of the single-day classic.
Sanchez was also second overall in the Pro Tour.
Pro Tour champion Alejandro Valverde, who clinched the series by
winning the Zuri-Metzgete race two weeks ago, retired from the race.
Of the race's 196 riders, 32 were drug tested before the race,
with none testing positive.
